Opinion of Technology and Society

There are various perspectives and opinions given on the subject of technology and society. Many individuals have, are , and will study this very subject and make it a life long project to figure out. A senior student took it upon his/her self to examine the issue of technology's influence on society. He or she makes claims "society in general has become less tolerant, much less motivated, and increasingly lazy.... People are beginning to expect things to be done quickly and efficiently, and people are becoming too focused on their goals, rather than the methods implicated to accomplish these goals."

I agree with claim because of my experiences with certain things and holding positions that are heavily interactive. Something I've noticed is the impatience in many individuals, even children. Many people are willing to find another source or method to take if they feel something is not convenient enough or to their liking. It is becoming more common among children and teens to want toys or devices that are high-tech or a digital device of some sort. They like the devices that accommodate their needs or desires for what ever purpose they serve.

Also, in reference to adults, I find them to be more impatient than children and teens. For example, when adults are paying bills they get upset at automated systems for not working efficiently, at representatives for not understanding exactly how to help them, and/or having to leave work or home to take care of that bill or business with that specific company. I find it rather crazy when none of the particular methods work and they individual complains about all of them and say "Look at things have come to." Hopefully society and technology can curve this negative effect into something more positive in the near future.

Student and Teacher Roles with Technology

An idea I've come to find very interesting is the notion that many teachers and faculty roles are beginning to change due to technology and all that comes with it. After reading some recent information I found on an education site this concept is one to truly consider. The information demonstrates that teachers' roles are shifting and it's because of technology.
The information suggests that through the advancement of technological devices, the attention teachers receive in a learning environment or classroom no longer exists. Students are allowed the ability to make decisions and perform tasks through actively thinking and learning.
In return, teachers roles change from being the primary source for information and become facilitators. In the role of a facilitator the site says, "...setting projects and providing guidelines and resources, moving from student to student or group to group, providing suggestions and support for student activity." The article also states that the teacher has the opportunity to look over students shoulders, ask questions about reasons for particular designs, ideas, etc. or even what resources were utilized.
When determining the roles of students and teachers I completely agree and understand how the role of teachers and professors have changed. In some ways, this role reversal is an advantage for students especially those who are hands-on type of learners. Then again, this minimizes in some ways the authority of the teacher/professor in the classroom.

Learning in Higher Education

A book, I began reading this past week, was very much informative and relative to the concept of the Digital Age and how it relates to education. The authors, James J. Duderstadt
Daniel E. Atkins, Douglas Van Houweling states,"Little wonder that tradition-bound colleges and universities tend to view the digital age more from the perspective of its threats than its opportunities.... Skeptics note that the university has been one of the most stable institutions in our civilization, surviving for a millennium through wars and plagues and technological change with its values and roles largely intact." The book's title, "Higher Education in the Digital Age: Technology Issues and Strategies for American Colleges and Universities" exemplifies the concerns of many colleges across the nation.
The introduction to the research explains that even with the vast changing digital world and technology, education in higher learning has been very consistent. In my opinion, the methods utilized in college and university learning are/have been structured to adapt with the times and events in society. The reason I say this is because the way in which college students are learning is still closely resembles how things were learned years ago. Even with the technology changing so rapidly, the learning has stayed the same.
However, what we as college students are learning today is the more relative question when talking about things changing over time. Most would relate this concept to how technology is affecting our learning. I would argue that technology is not affecting our capabilities in learning, but more importantly our drive and desire to learn. I say this because technology and devices produced from it are becoming more of a distraction in learning environments. This, in return, creates a barrier which doesn't allow the full learning process to take place.